Signs of a Dirty Air Filter


The air filter has a more important job than most people think. It is the component that helps to purify the air going into the engine combustion chamber. It collects pollen, dust, and other harmful particles that may get in the way of the engine’s operation. The filter should be changed every 12,000 miles or as specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Most people have them changed during tune-ups or regular service to make their lives a little easier. Besides mileage, you can catch the warning signs of a bad filter:

Dark Exhaust
Since there is a reduced amount of air in the engine, your vehicle will compensate by burning more gas. When this happens, you may end up with black or dark exhaust smoke.

Poor Engine Performance
A blocked engine filter can cause a number of performance issues, including misfiring, stuttering, hesitation, and overall less horsepower. 

Check Engine Light Comes On
A clogged filter can cause insufficient air circulation, which can trigger the check engine light to illuminate on your dash. 

Gasoline Smell
When there is too much gas in the combustion chamber (and not enough air), your vehicle may give off a strong gasoline smell upon startup and/or while driving. 

Lower Fuel Mileage
Last but not least, your vehicle will need to be filled up more often with a bad air filter. The reduced fuel economy may not be as obvious at first, but it will become worse as the filter gets dirtier.

If you need your engine air filter changed, please call or visit the local experts at TC Auto Service soon. We look forward to seeing you!